In a groundbreaking move, Ginkgo Bioworks and Pfizer have unveiled a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing RNA-based drug development. This partnership signifies a pivotal shift in the field of medicine, harnessing the potential of RNA therapies to revolutionize treatment approaches across a spectrum of illnesses.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Pfizer will leverage Ginkgo's cutting-edge RNA technology to explore and develop new RNA molecules within priority research domains. Ginkgo stands to receive substantial benefits, including upfront payments, research expenses, development fees, and commercial milestone payments, potentially totaling an impressive $331 million across three pivotal programs. Additionally, Ginkgo may earn royalties from sales.
Ginkgo's RNA technology is poised to be a game-changer. It employs high-throughput screening to analyze RNA construct behavior, coupled with a sophisticated multi-parameter design framework. This innovative approach enables the discovery of both natural and synthetic elements tailored for specific applications. Ginkgo's proficiency extends to efficiently producing, circularizing, stabilizing, and translating each RNA construct, opening doors to a new era of therapeutic possibilities.
RNA therapeutics have already left an indelible mark on global healthcare, benefiting billions of patients. Pfizer's Head of Biomedicine Design, Dr. Will Somers, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, highlighting that access to Ginkgo's proprietary platform will enable Pfizer to unearth RNA constructs with enhanced stability and expression, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Ginkgo Bioworks CEO and co-founder, Jason Kelly, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the power of RNA-based technologies in transforming healthcare. With Ginkgo's extensive RNA codebase and Foundry, the collaboration with Pfizer promises to yield programmable medications, accelerating discoveries across diverse disease areas and therapeutic modalities.
Further, Ginkgo Bioworks, renowned for its horizontal cell programming platform, addresses challenges across various industries, including food and agriculture, medicines, industrial, and specialty chemicals. The company's subsidiary, Concentric by Ginkgo, focuses on bolstering global biosecurity infrastructure to safeguard against biological threats.
Pfizer, a stalwart in the pharmaceutical industry, has consistently delivered life-changing breakthroughs through its relentless pursuit of research and innovation. With a legacy spanning almost 170 years, Pfizer remains committed to extending and improving lives, setting the bar for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of novel medicines and vaccines.
The collaboration between Ginkgo Bioworks and Pfizer heralds a new chapter in the evolution of medicine. By harnessing the potential of RNA therapies, this partnership holds the promise of transformative treatments with far-reaching implications for patients worldwide. As the collaboration progresses, the healthcare landscape eagerly anticipates the fruits of this innovative endeavor.
